OnStar is a powerful vehicle safety and communication system offering features such as navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, remote diagnostics and more. However, there may be times when you would like to deactivate this service due to privacy concerns, changes in vehicle usage or simply because you don’t use it. Deactivating OnStar can be accomplished in just a few steps:

1. Gather your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and account number associated with your OnStar account. You can find the VIN on the lower left-hand side of your windshield or on your registration documents.
2. Make sure the vehicle is parked in an area with strong cellular reception to ensure the deactivation process goes smoothly.
3. Call OnStar Customer Care at 1-888-4-OnStar (1-888-466-7827) from any phone. It’s advised to call from a separate phone and not the one integrated with OnStar to avoid confusion.
4. When prompted by the automated system, select the option to speak with a representative.
5. Have your account number and VIN available for quick identification.
6. Inform the representative that you wish to deactivate your OnStar account and provide them with your vehicle’s information.
7. The representative will verify your account details before proceeding with deactivation.
8. Once your request has been processed, ask for confirmation that the service has been deactivated, and request an email confirmation for reference.
9. Turn off the Wi-Fi hotspot feature in your vehicle if it’s equipped with one, by going into your vehicle’s infotainment settings and disabling it.
10. Locate the OnStar fuse under the hood or inside of the car near the driver’s side dashboard. If you want to completely remove power to the system, remove this fuse or unplug it completely – but only do this after speaking with an OnStar representative.
11. It’s important to know that your OnStar hardware will still be in the vehicle and can report data if reactivated in the future. If you want to remove the hardware entirely, consult your vehicle’s manual or a professional technician.
12. Monitor any pre-paid accounts associated with OnStar and make sure to cancel any auto-renew options.

By following these steps, you will have successfully deactivated your OnStar service, providing you with peace of mind that the system is no longer tracking or communicating with your vehicle. Always remember to call OnStar if you’re unsure or need further assistance during this process.